# offensively

/əˈfɛnsɪvɫi/ (US) · /əfˈɛnsɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/offensively
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is very rude, insulting, or makes you feel angry. You use this to describe something that is meant to hurt someone's feelings.

For teachers: in a manner that is intended to insult, provoke, or cause offense. Often used to describe speech, behavior, or content that violates social norms.

## Examples

- He made an offensively rude comment about her clothes.
- The advertisement was criticized for being offensively sexist and misleading to the public.
- The comedian's performance was described as offensively crude by some critics, though others argued it was a necessary satire of the establishment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.